Knowledge about Cervical Cancer among Women in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim of the work: cervical cancer is considered as a major wellbeing danger towards women. Many studies have shown that even with the high prevalence of cervical cancer the awareness of cervical cancer, cervical screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) is very low. This study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness of cervical cancer, Pap smear test and HPV among women in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: this descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women in Saudi Arabia during the period from October 2017 to January 2018. A total of 412 participants were included in this study. Data were collected by using pre coded structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by using the SPSS. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: the overall knowledge level of cervical cancer was good (78.6%), but it was low regarding the HPV (16.4%) and Pap smear screening test (35.9%). Conclusion: this study concluded that the level of knowledge about cervical cancer was generally good among women in Saudi Arabia, but there was low knowledge regarding Pap smear test and HPV as a main cause of cervical cancer and as sexual transmitted disease. There was a need for health education to increase the awareness of cervical cancer among women in Saudi Arabia.